10 Step Checklist Before Your Next Website Redesign
If you're redesigning your website, make sure to carefully consider upgrades and changes. This checklist provides 10 essential steps to ensure your website redesign is successful, covering aspects from mobile-friendliness to security and user experience.
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by John Walker
Mobile-Friendly Design
1. Is your website design mobile-friendly? Statistics show that more than 63 percent of mobile phone users access online content through their devices. Many people, especially younger people and those in urban areas, are more likely to access your website via a cell phone, tablet or other mobile device. If your website can't quickly recognize mobile users and scale appropriately, you will lose a lot of traffic.
Navigation and Accessibility
2. Is navigation straightforward? Are the high-traffic areas easily accessible? Don't leave anything to question. Make sure every user can easily get to important sections of your site without having to search for buttons or tabs.
3. Is there an "About Us" page accessible from the home page of the site? Having an easy-to-locate "About Us" link provides your customers/audience with quick access to information about your intentions and what you have to offer them.
1
Clear Navigation
Ensure high-traffic areas are easily accessible from the main menu.
2
About Us Link
Include an easily visible "About Us" link on the homepage.
3
User-Friendly Design
Make sure users can find important sections without searching extensively.
Website Security
Even if you don't think your site is a target, every website is vulnerable to cyberattacks. Security is paramount, especially if you have customer logins or process payments.
Is your security up-to-date? Regularly updating your website's security measures is crucial. Hackers are always looking for new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, so staying ahead of the curve is essential.
Payment Processing
5. Is your payment processing secure, easy to use and affordable? There are many new options for payment processing. Take the time to explore newer options; they may cost you less per payment for processing.
Secure
Ensure your payment processing is protected against threats.
User-Friendly
Make the payment process easy and intuitive for customers.
Affordable
Explore cost-effective payment processing options.
Color Scheme and Visual Style
6. Did you pick the right color scheme? Contrast helps with visibility, but too many bright colors may make reading difficult or distract the eye. The colors and design of your site should never be so distracting that the content is difficult to find and/or read.
7. Is your tone and visual style consistent throughout the website? Visitors will expect aesthetically similar content. Not only may they be turned off by an unexpected change, they can become confused about the flow of your site. Users that become too challenged or confused will abandon your site.
Contact Information
8. Do you provide multiple ways for visitors to contact you? Not every user interacts in the same way. Offering email and social media platforms as points of contact is important.
Email
Provide a clear email address for inquiries.
Social Media
Include links to your active social media profiles.
Contact Form
Offer an easy-to-use contact form on your website.
Social Media Integration
9. Have you integrated social media widget buttons on sidebars/individual pages? Visitors may want to follow you on their social media platform of choice. Make it easy for them and you increase your traffic!
Accessibility for All Users
10. Have you taken steps to maximize accessibility? This is important for all users, but is especially worth noting if your intended audience/customer base includes senior citizens. You want to consider how accessible and easy-to-view your website is for those without perfect eyesight.
1
Text Readability
Ensure font sizes and contrasts are suitable for all users.
2
Alternative Text
Add descriptive alt text to all images for screen readers.
3
Keyboard Navigation
Make sure all functions are accessible via keyboard.
4
Color Considerations
Use color schemes that work for colorblind users.
Ready to Get Started?
Ready to get started on that website redesign? Our team specializes in redesigns without the massive headache, improve visibility and bring you more business. Contact us, we'd love working on redesign projects!
About the Author
John Walker, Co-founder of TE Digital and Chief Solutions Officer, has more than 20 years of online marketing expertise in social media, mobile, video and viral campaigns. He has a strong background in digital capabilities including Website Design, Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay-Per-Click Advertising (PPC).
TE Digital is your one-stop shop for all of your marketing needs.